Man City’s Arsenal defeat sees Man Utd title odds slashed

Roberto Mancini’s men need to overcome an eight-point deficit in just six games

Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes are as good as over following their dire 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s solitary goal was enough to see the Gunners claim a big three points as they close in on Champions League football but the goal was even more significant for Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men didn’t have to break a sweat in their earlier game against Queens Park Rangers as a combination of poor refereeing and Paul Scholes’ brilliance saw them sweep to a 2-0 victory.

United are now a massive eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with just six games remaining and have seen their title odds slashed to 1/50.

Meanwhile, City are now out to 12/1 to win the title after picking up just one win in their last four Premier League games.

Things got even worse for City when striker Mario Balotelli – who was lucky to even be on the pitch following his studs-up foul on Alex Song in the first half – picked up a second yellow card in the dying minutes.

Balotelli will now be suspended and serious questions must be asked of both his temperament and of Mancini who decided to stick with the volatile Italian despite him being on a booking for much of the match.

While backing United to win the league may not offer a particularly attractive bet, backing Mancini to be the next Premier League manager to leave looks a brilliant punt at 16/1.

Get on it soon though because those odds are sure to shorten in the coming days.